The 3-House Assessment Tool
A creative, child-centred approach to understanding a child's lived experience, worries, and dreams.
The 3-House Assessment Tool provides a structured yet creative way for children to share their world. It acts as a bridge, allowing their thoughts to be highlighted in reviews where adult perspectives often dominate.
By using this model, practitioners foster trust and demonstrate that the child's voice genuinely matters in the decision-making process.
The Three Aspects
[Image of the Three Houses safeguarding tool template showing the House of Worries, House of Good Things, and House of Dreams]House of Worries
Identifying safeguarding concerns and areas where the child feels unsafe or stressed.
House of Good Things
Uncovering protective factors, joy, and stability in the child's everyday life.
House of Dreams
Highlighting hopes, aspirations, and the positive changes the child wishes to see.
Tip: Tailor the theme! Use islands, cars, or castles to match the child's specific interests.
Templates & Case Study
Blank Template
Case Study: Peter (Age 12)
Peter used the houses to describe exclusion at school, his love for his Aunt, and his dream of finding acceptance.
Enhancing the Session
Reflective Dialogue
Use the drawings to spark deeper conversation. Ask: "What might make this worry feel smaller?" or "What steps can we take today toward this dream?"
Creative Expression
Not all children want to write. Encourage stickers, drawings, or colour-coding. Revisit the tool regularly to celebrate achieved goals and cross out resolved worries.
Download the Tool
Ready to use this in your practice? Access the official PDF template below and help give a child a voice today.
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Mark Else
My experience ranges from running playgroups for pre-schoolers to managing complex safeguarding caseloads within both mainstream and SEMH provisions. In addition to having worked within the education sector since 2018, I am currently studying for a Level 6 Youth Work degree.
References
- Me first - Three Houses Tool
- Signs of Safety Toolkit - Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Board
- Three Houses Tool - Social Work Key
- How to Use the Three Houses Tool in Social Work
- Engaging with Children and Families (including 3 Houses)
- Guidance for Practitioners: Three Houses
- The Three Houses Tool - Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services
- The Three Houses Assessment Tool - Nottingham City Council
- The Three Houses Templates - Social Workers Toolbox
- The Three Houses Assessment Tool - Procedures Online
- Three Houses Tool - ELSA Support
- Using the Three Houses - Cheshire East Safeguarding Children Partnership